How do you sum up such a vast country as Nigeria? The most populous in Africa with 150 million people and 400 ethnic groups, her borders holding together Muslims and Christians; the cities with their highways and clubs, versus the villages without water and electricity; the desperate poverty, despite the huge wealth generated by oil – it is a country of paradoxes.

At 52, I'm a proud child of my country's independence. Some of my earliest memories of this were singing the anthem in school and being given little green-white flags to wave at parades. I also remember being sent home to get mugs to be given free milk from the new independent government, because they wanted healthy and well-educated schoolchildren.

If I could pass any law in Nigeria on her 50th birthday, I would decree that any Nigerian can peacefully move, work and buy land anywhere in the country. I would also ensure that anyone discriminating against a tribe or religion would be punished. This would unite us, and bring peace and development to Nigeria. None of this can happen without a spirit of "one Nigeria".

Right now discrimination is at the root of our troubles. Sharing resources and finding employment becomes about where you're from. The recent deadly violence in Jos was rooted in arguments between those indigenous to the area, but we are all citizens of Nigeria. With tribal, religious and political limits, we will be constrained as a nation and never grow to our full potential.

If I could change one thing in the country, I would make politics less profitable and pay political leaders less. The cost of governance is too expensive, with a bloated cabinet and countless advisors. It is scandalous that Nigerian legislators in a poorer nation earn more than their British counterparts. We need politicians who are true public servants, who hear and serve the ordinary person.

But without a doubt, the best thing about Nigeria is the spirit of its people. We are a hardworking, confident, happy and resilient people.

In the face of suffering, we are always willing to start again, ever after a terrible crisis. Even when others say Nigeria is done for, in no time people are picking up the pieces and getting back on their feet.

However, the worst thing about Nigeria is the current attitude of "get rich quick". It only brings about corruption and self-serving practices.

So my message to my fellow Nigerians, at this time of our golden jubilee, would be a call for them to work for the common good, for them not to allow the differences of tribe, politics or religion to damage Nigeria.

For the young generation, sadly, the independence celebrations mean little to them, as they're unhappy with the widespread deprivation and lack of economic and social growth. They want education, steady jobs and basic services. But I say to our young people, see Nigeria as a country you must contribute to build, not a piece of cake to be shared.

The Catholic church's contribution over the last half century is immense, particularly in promoting social cohesion by preaching against tribal discrimination. As the archbishop of the city of Jos, I have witnessed first hand the terrible violence that engulfed the city these last few years. With the support of organisation such as the aid agency Cafod, I have stood on the frontline campaigning for peace, united with my Muslim brothers.

The church has also been a major provider of basic social services. Do you know how many governors, ministers and police were schooled in Catholic schools? And our schools are not discriminatory, taking people of all faiths. In the health sector we are active at the grassroots, providing primary healthcare to help reverse maternal mortality statistics, provide HIV care and clean drinking water. You cannot talk about health and education in Nigeria without talking about the Catholic church.

During the celebrations, I will take a moment of quiet to go to church and reflect on what it is to be an independent nation. I've been invited to gala nights, but to be honest I'm not a big believer in spending money on parties, especially when there is still so much to do to build the nation.

We want Nigeria to be a true giant, a shining example of an African success. I will, in collaboration with all people of goodwill, continue to do everything in my power to make that dream a reality.